Wire-stretcher



(No Model.)

J. W. McKINNEY.

WIRE STRBTGHBR.

No. 499.307. Patented June 13, 1893.

UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE.

' JOHNVWILSON MoKINNEY,OF IGROESBEOK, TEXAS.

WIRE-STRETCH ER.

I SPECIFICATION fo'rining part of Letters Patent NO. 499,307, dated June 13, 1893.

Application filed April 20, 1893. Serial No. 471,112. (No model.)

The objectof the present invention is to a provide a simple and efficient device adapted for stretching wire for fence-building, for tightening loose wires, for cutting wires, and for tying broken wires of a fence in a tight and efficient manner. v

The invention consists in theconstruction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

In the drawings; Figure 1 is aperspective View of a wire'stretcher constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 3 is aplan View, showing the members arranged for cutting wire.

Like numerals of reference indicate like parts in all the figures of'the drawings. 1

1, 1, designate similar members, pivotally' connected by a bolt 2, and each consisting of a disk 3, a curved jaw 4, and a shank 5, to which is secured a handle-bar 6. The disks have central registering openings to receive the bolt 2, which is provided with a rectangular head having a wire-receiving notch 7. The jaws 4 are similarly curved, being approximately semicircular, and are provided at their outer ends with claws formed by recesses 8, and they are provided with similar oppositely-disposed circular notches 9. The disks are provided with registering notches 10, and when it is desired to sever a wire the notches 10 are made to register, the Wire is placed therein, and the notches are then turned away from each other, thereby cutting the wire.

When it is desired to stretch a fence-wire, a fence-post is grasped by the jaws'of, the stretcher and the wire is placed in the recess of the head of the bolt. The wire is then twisted and drawn around the post by moving the stretcher around the latter, and when the wire is at the desired tension it is stapled.

Fig. 2 is adetail perspective view of one of the members.

may be readily drawn out of the fence post.

- In tyinga broken-wire,the ends of thewire areplaced in the claws of the jaws, when the latter are open, and'are held therein by placing a barb in the notch 9 of each jaw. The jaws are then brought together to stretch the wire which is tied by twisting the stretcher in either direction.

If there are no barbs at the ends of the Wire, the latteris bent or knotted to form stops to prevent the wirefrom being drawn through the notches 9.

It will be seen-that the wire stretcher is .simple and inexpensive in construction and efficient in operation, and that it is adapted for stretching, tying, and cutting Wire.

Changes in the form, proportion, and the minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the'advantages of this invention.

I The wire stretcher is also adapted for drawing staples; and to accomplish this result the claw is inserted under a fence'wire and made to straddle a staple, and 'by turning the curved jaw using it as a heel or fulcrum, the staple That I claim is 1. A 'wire stretcher comprising the similar members provided with jaws, and a pivot-bolt provided with an enlarged head havinga wirevreceiving recess, substantially as described.

2. Awire stretcher comprising similar pivoted members provided with jaws having claws at their outer ends and provided adjacent to the claws with opposite wire-receivin g recesses, substantially as described.

3. A wire stretcher comprising similar members consisting of shanks and curved jaws provided with claws and having opposite wirereceiving notches, a pivot-bolt connecting the members and havinga rectangular head provided with a wire-receiving recess, and handle-bars secured to the shank, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN WILSON MCKINNEY.

Witnesses:

- J. F. OOGDELL,

W. L. BOND. 

